Rolls-Royce to Power Ice Class Super Yacht

Posted by Michelle HowardSeptember 28, 2017

Maritime Propulsion

King Shark (Photo courtesy of Rolls-Royce)

Rolls-Royce has won a contract to provide the propulsion and power electric systems for a new ice classified super yacht, the 70m King Shark, being built in Viareggio by Italian yacht company Rossinavi.

The King Shark allows the owner the freedom to cruise the warm waters of the Caribbean and the freezing conditions of Antarctica in luxury.The vessel is equipped with amenities such as a soundproof cinema room, fully equipped gym, spa and massage room and owner cabin with large private terrace and round pool. Designed inside and out by Team for Design, a yacht design and architecture firm based in Venice, Italy, the style is more elegant than the typical rugged profile of an Explorer Yacht. Naval architecture is by Arrabito Naval Architects and the yacht will be certified under Rina and Lloyd’s.

Federico Rossi, Chief Operating Office, Rossinavi said: “We are thrilled to be constructing this super yacht, at 70 metres – ambitious for its scale and finish, but special for its ice classification.”

Rolls-Royce is providing advanced propulsion and power electric system technology.

Electric propulsion allows the vessel to travel extensive distances, a range of 6000 nautical miles at 12 knots and to reach a top speed of 17 knots. The Rolls-Royce SAVE Cube system allows the engines to be operated at variable speeds increasing efficiency and reducing fuel consumption at the different operating conditions. Installing drives, frequency converter and switchboard in a single cabinet also allows easier installation and saves space.

The company is also supplying two Azipull AZP085 azimuthing thrusters. This combination of low drag body and pulling propeller gives a high propulsive efficiency and enhanced maneuverability, together with good course keeping ability. Rolls-Royce is also supplying a dynamic positioning system for the vessel. This will help keep the vessel safe in the most extreme conditions by providing a “dynamic anchoring” capability which will hold the vessel in position counteracting the effects of both wind and wave.

Gary Nutter, Rolls-Royce, Director, Products – Marine said: “Our experience of designing and building high technology equipment for the most advanced vessels has allowed us to help Rossinavi identify the optimum combination of systems the King Shark needs to operate in Arctic conditions efficiently, safely and comfortably.”